---
title: "Getting Started"
description: "Quick start guide for Kyverno MCP"
diataxis: how-to
applies_to:
  product: "kyverno"
audience: ["platform-engineer","devsecops"]
last_updated: 2026-03-25
url: https://docs.nirmata.io/docs/controllers/n4k/kyverno-mcp/getting-started/
---


## Quick Start

This guide will help you get started with Kyverno MCP in minutes.

### Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:
- Access to a Kubernetes cluster
- A valid kubeconfig file
- Kyverno installed in your cluster (optional, but recommended)

### Step 1: Install Kyverno MCP

Choose your preferred installation method:

#### Using Homebrew (macOS/Linux)
```bash
brew tap nirmata/tap
brew install kyverno-mcp
```json

#### Download Binary
Download the appropriate binary for your platform from the [Nirmata downloads page](https://downloads.nirmata.io/kyverno-mcp/downloads/).

### Step 2: Configure Your MCP Client

Add Kyverno MCP to your MCP client configuration. For example, in Claude Desktop:

1. Open your Claude Desktop configuration file:
   - macOS: `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`
   - Windows: `%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json`

2. Add the Kyverno MCP server:
```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "kyverno": {
      "command": "/path/to/kyverno-mcp",
      "args": [
        "--kubeconfig=/path/to/your/kubeconfig"
      ]
    }
  }
}
```

### Step 3: Test the Connection

1. Start your MCP client (e.g., Claude Desktop)
2. Ask about your Kubernetes contexts:
```text
3. The assistant should be able to list your contexts using the `list_contexts` tool

### Step 4: Apply Your First Policy

Try scanning your cluster with recommended policy sets for pod security, RBAC and Kubernetes best practices:

```text
Scan my cluster for policy violations
```

The assistant will use the `apply_policies` tool to apply curated pod security policies.

### Step 5: Check for Violations

Monitor policy violations:

```text
Show me any policy violations in my cluster
```

The assistant will use the `show_violations` tool to display any policy violations.

## What's Next?

- Explore [usage](usage.md) for detailed real-world examples
- Learn about [available tools and commands](available-tools.md)
- Explore [advanced configuration options](configuration.md)
- Check out [troubleshooting tips](troubleshooting.md)